Yesterday's game - What we expected?

[PSUForever]

I think most of us expected a loss and easily could see a double digit loss. With that said I am more disappointed by it then I thought I would be opt outs or not.

-Clifford is not good. Is it the O-Line? Partly but his accuracy, pocket presence and decision making is sub par. No progress here. Was hoping he would look much better.

-Heard Thomas Frank Carr say the O-Line played decently, at least Tengwall and the young Left tackle. I did not see much improvement.

-Horrible 2nd half (mentioned SC already). Defense pushed around. Will the players on the field at D-Line and LB improve or are we just average at those positions? Did not see anyone step up and look like "the guy" for next season. I guess Smith-Vilbert showed flashes. Can we get more physical? Desperately need a portal infusion ala Tangelo and Ebekie this year at D-Line and LB. Why, what happened to recruiting or talent development at these positions?

Even though I expected a loss yesterday I came away more disappointed and pessimistic about the future state of the program.

I think we will do very well to reach 9-3 next season with downside potential to 6-6. We really need Allar to be our savior for the future but I am concerned that without at least an adequate O-Line to create a solid run game hence a balanced attack our offense will never be high octane and elite. Even the D seems to now be less physical in the trenches and has the susceptibility to be dominated by power oriented teams like a scUM. Arkansauce exploited that.

 

[Tototootsi]

I think you are describing a chronic case of the mediocracy virus.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

Thought the OL played really well. Ark took advantage of our lack of hot routes, no screen passes, and near refusal to run the ball more than "they played bad".

Miranda had one terrible whiff, but that's below his average and SC got away.

Defense did ok for what you asked them. You can't expect guys who saw less than 20 snaps all year to turn into all conference players in one game.

Vilbert will be a solid pass rusher. Returning Issac, that spot might not be that bad.

Van Der Berg penatrated well, but under sized. Vanover needs to move outside.

LB is my concern. We need a Mike to get us started next year badly. Jacobs needs to stay at Sam. His instincts have developed there. Didn't translate at Will.

 

[OptionBob]

I think most of us expected a loss and easily could see a double digit loss. With that said I am more disappointed by it then I thought I would be opt outs or not.

-Clifford is not good. Is it the O-Line? Partly but his accuracy, pocket presence and decision making is sub par. No progress here. Was hoping he would look much better.

-Heard Thomas Frank Carr say the O-Line played decently, at least Tengwall and the young Left tackle. I did not see much improvement.

-Horrible 2nd half (mentioned SC already). Defense pushed around. Will the players on the field at D-Line and LB improve or are we just average at those positions? Did not see anyone step up and look like "the guy" for next season. I guess Smith-Vilbert showed flashes. Can we get more physical? Desperately need a portal infusion ala Tangelo and Ebekie this year at D-Line and LB. Why, what happened to recruiting or talent development at these positions?

Even though I expected a loss yesterday I came away more disappointed and pessimistic about the future state of the program.

I think we will do very well to reach 9-3 next season with downside potential to 6-6. We really need Allar to be our savior for the future but I am concerned that without at least an adequate O-Line to create a solid run game hence a balanced attack our offense will never be high octane and elite. Even the D seems to now be less physical in the trenches and has the susceptibility to be dominated by power oriented teams like a scUM. Arkansauce exploited that.

I agree with you. Prior too kickoff, I dreaded the Arkansas team that scored 35 on Alabama to just steamroll through the PSU 2nd-team DL. Heck, I thought if the Hogs put 35 on Bama in Tuscaloosa, they just might put 55 on Penn State in Tampa.

At halftime, I was both stunned and elated. Until my son reminded my that we really should/could have been ahead 20-7. Both Cain and Lee mad better runs than they had all year long, it seems, and the defense was not allowing Arkansas to just run up the gut at will.

But reality set in as the Razorbacks went 75 yards without seeming to need even a 2nd down. By the time our 5th-year QB threw into coverage on a 1st-and-goal, elation turned to yet another disappointment.

Like you, I see a 2022 season with Clifford still making the same mistakes he's made through 5 years: overthrowing wide open rceivers and under throwing well-covered ones for an interception. I stopped believing the myth of an improved OL 2 years ago; it's going to take a 300-yard rushing game to lure me into that belief again.

The schedule has us playing I think 9 Bowl teams next year, plus Illinois and Indiana. I have lost considerable faith in Franklin's ability to make the necessary changes in scheme to return Penn State to offensive prowess. My UT friends here in SA keep telling me that Manny Diaz is not the answer for a defense, but I hold hope that he can keep PSU as a national leader there.

However, hope springs eternal, and perhaps by the BW game, I'll be my idealistic, optimistic self again.

 

[LionJim]

I wasn’t surprised we lost. What I expected? Dunno, really.

 

[Midnighter]

I think most of us expected a loss and easily could see a double digit loss. With that said I am more disappointed by it then I thought I would be opt outs or not.

-Clifford is not good. Is it the O-Line? Partly but his accuracy, pocket presence and decision making is sub par. No progress here. Was hoping he would look much better.

-Heard Thomas Frank Carr say the O-Line played decently, at least Tengwall and the young Left tackle. I did not see much improvement.

-Horrible 2nd half (mentioned SC already). Defense pushed around. Will the players on the field at D-Line and LB improve or are we just average at those positions? Did not see anyone step up and look like "the guy" for next season. I guess Smith-Vilbert showed flashes. Can we get more physical? Desperately need a portal infusion ala Tangelo and Ebekie this year at D-Line and LB. Why, what happened to recruiting or talent development at these positions?

Even though I expected a loss yesterday I came away more disappointed and pessimistic about the future state of the program.

I think we will do very well to reach 9-3 next season with downside potential to 6-6. We really need Allar to be our savior for the future but I am concerned that without at least an adequate O-Line to create a solid run game hence a balanced attack our offense will never be high octane and elite. Even the D seems to now be less physical in the trenches and has the susceptibility to be dominated by power oriented teams like a scUM. Arkansauce exploited that.

Arkansas was decent this year, but Penn State should have more talent on paper. Talking half decade worth of Top 15 classes. We shouldn’t lose to them even with opt outs. Still, I thought we’d win - no real strong feelings about losing though. On to next year.

 

[FrontierLion]

After reading this board all week, I guess I kind of expected us to lose . But like every other game, saw a glimmer of hope only to come crashing down later. When we lose, I always feel like we left a victory out on the field, even though sometimes the other team is just better.

Just hard for me to take all the goofy things that seem to happen every game … like another failed fake punt … or the weird play where cliff fumbled the snap when it seemed to me the whole Arkansas defensive line was in our backfield prior to the snap - no flags. And when CV is in the game, time is ticking, ticking, ticking, everyone in my house is yelling at the tv to get moving! Yet we look to the sidelines three times and take our good old time to get the play off... no sense of urgency.

Just really odd stuff happens every game that drives me nuts.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

Arkansas was decent this year, but Penn State should have more talent on paper. Talking half decade worth of Top 15 classes. We shouldn’t lose to them even with opt outs. Still, I thought we’d win - no real strong feelings about losing though. On to next year.

The real difference makers are to the teams in the top 5-6 of recruiting rankings. Anything less than that, you need age and experience.

Arkansas had 13 super seniors and 9 other seniors who can return for '22. Long term, we are probably better off with our roster. We are developing NFL talent.

Yesterday, injuries (PJ, Issac, TCF maybe) and opt outs (AK, Tangelo, Brooks, Smith, Brisker) along with the couple DL who have transferred (Culpepper, Barber, seems like 1-2 more I'm forgetting) caught up to us in a meaningless game that we were only in because our fans travel well.

 

[CDLionFL]

After reading this board all week, I guess I kind of expected us to lose . But like every other game, saw a glimmer of hope only to come crashing down later. When we lose, I always feel like we left a victory out on the field, even though sometimes the other team is just better.

Just hard for me to take all the goofy things that seem to happen every game … like another failed fake punt … or the weird play where cliff fumbled the snap when it seemed to me the whole Arkansas defensive line was in our backfield prior to the snap - no flags. And when CV is in the game, time is ticking, ticking, ticking, everyone in my house is yelling at the tv to get moving! Yet we look to the sidelines three times and take our good old time to get the play off... no sense of urgency.

Just really odd stuff happens every game that drives me nuts.

Is that play you're referring to when Cliff went under center? If so, the center snapped it before Clifford was ready and that led to the fumble. Totally legal on Arkansas's part. This also goes to the point of the utter confusion that everyone goes through up to the snap of the ball. Can't we just send a play in and use it rather than making 3,000 adjustments while the play clock ticks down?

 

[loinfan01]

The defense held up better than I expected, given the opt outs. When you hold a team to 24 points, you should have a good shot at winning. Unfortunately the offense performed to my expectation and could not generate more than 24 points.

I did not expect the punter to throw a pass on a fake punt. I expected the holder to throw a pass on a fake field goal.

 

[FrontierLion]

Is that play you're referring to when Cliff went under center? If so, the center snapped it before Clifford was ready and that led to the fumble. Totally legal on Arkansas's part. This also goes to the point of the utter confusion that everyone goes through up to the snap of the ball. Can't we just send a play in and use it rather than making 3,000 adjustments while the play clock ticks down?

Yep. Although I thought the center snapped the ball early because Arkansas was past the line of scrimmage. Trying to get the free play. It was weird that tv broadcast never showed a replay. But yes, I agree that we seem to lead the country in “confusion” if that was a stat .

 

[step.eng69]

The real difference makers are to the teams in the top 5-6 of recruiting rankings. Anything less than that, you need age and experience.

Arkansas had 13 super seniors and 9 other seniors who can return for '22. Long term, we are probably better off with our roster. We are developing NFL talent.

Yesterday, injuries (PJ, Issac, TCF maybe) and opt outs (AK, Tangelo, Brooks, Smith, Brisker) along with the couple DL who have transferred (Culpepper, Barber, seems like 1-2 more I'm forgetting) caught up to us in a meaningless game that we were only in because our fans travel well.

it's very difficult to lead the B/W board geniuses to our player circumstances and why we were invited to the Outback Bowl

 

[Mile High Lion]

About how I expected. Watching with my 80+ year old father talking to his brother on the phone, "We played pretty well considering we don't have much offense and the defense can't tackle". That about sums it up Dad.

 

[JVP_Yahweh]

I feel bad for the seniors. Not the best effort but what can you do?

 

[Zone-Blitz]

Yesterday was the first time i got to see Clifford play in person and see the entire field as the plays developed. Guys are open. He does not have the ability to make a quick read and deliver. RB’s were open in the flats and by the time he threw over there our guys get tackled as soon as the ball hits their hands. It’s absolutely not all on the offensive line. The defense does not fear Clifford and did not have to defend Dotson. They sold out to stop the run, the OL didn’t have much of a chance.

 

[blion72]

The defense held up better than I expected, given the opt outs. When you hold a team to 24 points, you should have a good shot at winning. Unfortunately the offense performed to my expectation and could not generate more than 24 points.

I did not expect the punter to throw a pass on a fake punt. I expected the holder to throw a pass on a fake field goal.

i agree - defense held up better than I expected. it was almost a 2nd team DEF when you consider Jacobs moved spots as well. We remain a bit small against teams like this, and I heard (but cannot confirm) Arkansas is one of these "old" teams like Illinois. We are an NFL feeder now, and will likely remain a younger than average team. The heat makes it hard without some further depth.

The offense played okay in the first half, and the running by RBs was actually better than expected. Cain looks like he may be getting healthy after 2 years. Again we need the QB running and with no depth that anyone wants to use, SC eventually gets beat up.

The fake punt was not exactly one of the smartest plays - and we have made the national media with that one being singled out as a stupid play.

 

[PSUForever]

Thought the OL played really well. Ark took advantage of our lack of hot routes, no screen passes, and near refusal to run the ball more than "they played bad".

Miranda had one terrible whiff, but that's below his average and SC got away.

Defense did ok for what you asked them. You can't expect guys who saw less than 20 snaps all year to turn into all conference players in one game.

Vilbert will be a solid pass rusher. Returning Issac, that spot might not be that bad.

Van Der Berg penatrated well, but under sized. Vanover needs to move outside.

LB is my concern. We need a Mike to get us started next year badly. Jacobs needs to stay at Sam. His instincts have developed there. Didn't translate at Will.

If the O-Line played so well then why was Clifford forced out of the pocket on many plays? Seemed like poor protection. Don't get me wrong, he needs to shoulder plenty of blame but did not think the O-Line pass protected well at all.

On the D, first half was good but then wow you can't just collapse like that. Ellies and Izzard had one tackle each and they played a lot this season after Mustipher went down. Could not do much at all. They need to be more impactful players. We need help on the D-Line. IF Mustipher returns and is healthy and IF Issac is healthy then that could be a good tandem but it looks like our depth is non existent after that for D tackle. I am encouraged by Smith-Vilbert as he is is still learning being a converted basketball player. Who else at D-End, Tarburton is serviceable but not a game changer.

 

[canuckhal]

I expected an entertaining game as most PSU games are, but this one was a snooze fest.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

If the O-Line played so well then why was Clifford forced out of the pocket on many plays? Seemed like poor protection. Don't get me wrong, he needs to shoulder plenty of blame but did not think the O-Line pass protected well at all.

On the D, first half was good but then wow you can't just collapse like that. Ellies and Izzard had one tackle each and they played a lot this season after Mustipher went down. Could not do much at all. They need to be more impactful players. We need help on the D-Line. IF Mustipher returns and is healthy and IF Issac is healthy then that could be a good tandem but it looks like our depth is non existent after that for D tackle. I am encouraged by Smith-Vilbert as he is is still learning being a converted basketball player. Who else at D-End, Tarburton is serviceable but not a game changer.

Clifford had a very bad game. Accuracy was off. Believe he had a finger issue. Missed open players or overthrew a lot of guys. No OL has flawless protection. QB has to make throws when pressure is coming. I'd be interested in his snap to release average vs Stroud's.

Take away 8 of Arkansas starting defense and see how they would have played.

Again, we should not have been in this game. Purdue, Minnesota, and Wisconsin had better records.

Still think it was a terrible coaching effort yesterday.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

Look at the depth chart before the Wisconsin game.

Look at the depth and injury chart before the Arkansas game, kind of says it all.

Honestly should have been in the Las Vegas Bowl vs. ASU, this game was a bit too much with the present roster.